The International Court of Justice Rules Against the United States. Good Wins. Evil Loses.

-In a ruling issued on October 3, the International Court of Justice has sided with Iran and ordered the U.S. to suspend its sanctions on the Islamic Republic in a number of key areas including medicines, food and aircraft spare parts.

-Tehran launched its case at the ICJ In July, arguing that the sanctions violated the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations and Consular Rights between Iran and the U.S. – at the time that treaty was signed the two countries were allies. As an interim step, Tehran also asked the court to suspend any sanctions until the case was decided.

-In its ruling, the court said “the measures adopted by the United States have the potential to endanger civil aviation safety in Iran and the lives of its users to the extent that they prevent Iranian airlines from acquiring spare parts and other necessary equipment.”

-In addition, it said “restrictions on the importation and purchase of goods required for humanitarian needs, such as foodstuffs and medicines, including life-saving medicines, treatment for chronic disease or preventive care, and medical equipment, may have a serious detrimental impact on the health and lives of individuals on the territory of Iran.”

-As a result, the court ruled that the U.S. “must remove… any impediments” in relation to the sale to Iran of medicines and medical devices; foodstuffs and agricultural commodities; and spare parts, equipment and associated services needed by the civil aviation industry. It also ordered the U.S. to ensure that licenses and payments covering these goods and services are not restricted.